This was the first children’s tea party for Helen Shelley, who organizes the historical society’s annual Victorian tea for adults each spring.

“Today has been an overwhelming success,” said Shelly, who noted 50 girls and grownups attended the tea and 15 others had to be turned away.

Girls and grandmothers

“I think this is great,” said Phyllis Martin, of Hagerstown, who brought her 8-year-old granddaughter Kalayah Hawbaker, of Knoxville, Md. “She (Kalayah) loves to have tea parties at home.”

“I believe this is wonderful that the girls get to experience what life was like at the turn-of-the-century,” said Bonnie Bachtell, of Waynesboro, who brought her 6-year-old granddaughter Zoey Bachtell.

Each girl was given a pink sparkling tiara, feather boa and a fan to help set the mood.

Olivia DeLore, 7, of Taneytown, Md., and Kylie Jackson, 8, of New Market, Md., came early and helped hand out boas and fans to the other little girls.

It was so much fun,” said Olivia, who added she also enjoyed spending time with her grandma Ginny Schaefer, who helped Shelley organize and set up the tea.

“I think today’s event is wonderful,” said Judith McLean, of Waynesboro, who brought along her 6-year-old granddaughter Carly Hart of Ellicott City, Md.

“I used to live in a house similar to the Oller House and I donated some antiques to the historical society,” said McLean, who noted she enjoyed having the opportunity to tell Carly about some history Saturday afternoon.

“I’ve enjoyed getting some lemonade and just hanging out,” said 8-year-old Nora Dickey of Waynesboro, who was accompanied by her doll Megan and grandmother Sarie Dickey.

After the girls finished eating, many ran over to admire the 11-room dollhouse that resides at the historical society. Amy Stevenson of Pittsburgh donated the dollhouse to the historical society last year. Her great-aunt, the late Dorothy H. “Dot” Geyer, created the dollhouse.

Before the festivities ended, each girl got to make an Easter card.

“Everyone had a great time and I hope this can become a tradition,” said Shelley.